#7 – Sea Kayaking and a Night Sky

By 8:30 the next morning we were all set to venture on a long hike to the other side of the peninsula and its fjord for sea kayaking amidst icebergs. Most roads that exist in Greenland are merely rough stone roads and that is the route we took to another hostel on that side of the peninsula. About 4.35 miles or 7km, the road led up and over hills to the small settlement of Tasiusaq. There we rendezvoused at another hostel where we warmed up, used the facilities and prepared for our adventure – sea kayaking amongst icebergs. 

Here, Kunuk announced that he was feeling ill and opted to stay at the hostel to stay warm and rest. We all were concerned as he was always upbeat and eager. Taking care of himself was a priority and we understood his wish to remain at the hostel.

Properly outfitted in appropriate gear we walked to a beach, received further paddling, safety and equipment instructions. Pairing up we then squeezed into kayaks, secured our waterproof aprons to the upper rim of the seat openings and set off into a bay of multiple sized icebergs. I paired up with Pablo from Spain, he in front and me in the back with the rudder pedals at my feet. For the most part we worked well together, maneuvering about between, around and close to the icebergs. Having sea kayaked off Vancouver Island, I readily adapted to being in a kayak once again. This was a fun adventure, again, most everyone laughing and completely enjoying the experience. Only one person told me she did not enjoy it as she had difficulty managing the rudder pedals. 

Everyone in a good mood we returned to the beach, organized and stacked the kayaks and proceeded back to the hostel for our “picnic”. Kunuk, now wrapped up in a blanket, had done some preparation for the meal, and we sat down to devour all that was before us, starting with the hot tea, coffee, instant soup and crackers. The usual fare followed as we enjoyed the meal and our companionship. 

But the 4.35 miles hike back to the Lief Erikson hostel still was ahead of us. With a full belly and tiredness setting in, I felt it a bit of a drudgery to return.

On the return Maralyn and a few others talked of diving into the frigid waters for a swim once we returned. At another time, I MIGHT have consider it, but by the time we returned I was tired and a bit grumpy. I wanted just to stay in where it was warm. From a window I and another young woman watched the group of 4, two men, two women, take the plunge. Three were Spaniards and Maralyn, Scottish. Maralyn not only got into the water, she submerged and did a few strokes before exiting. The others never really submerged themselves, entering only up to their waists. Maybe, being from Scotland, she was more acclimated to cold water swimming?

We had a later than usual dinner, but talk revolved around a showing of the Northern Lights that evening. Most were excited about getting out around midnight to see this phenomenon. I was still feeling a bit ill tempered and didn’t really care one way or the other. However, around midnight everyone headed outdoors and I was encouraged to join in. Though I wanted to curl up in bed, I got my gumption back and ventured out. I was very glad I did. 

Roberto is a very accomplished photographer and was able to capture some remarkable Northern Lights images. I, with my iPhone was having difficulty until Fernando showed me how I could see the lights and take a photo. The only drawback was that a tripod really would have allowed sharper images. Roberto set up a scene where he captured the group and the Northern Lights together – a fantastic image. In the photos, not only are the group and lights visible, but the multitude of stars and one with a shooting star streaking across the sky. 

Before departing on this trip I had hoped to see the Northern Lights but nearly passed up the opportunity on this last night of the trip. As it turned out our late evening outing became an unexpected and wondrous experience, one that I am now grateful for being able to see.

Crabby Don was gone, Happy Don returned.